SCHD vs USNG

Quick Verdict

SCHD has a lower expense ratio. USNG delivered stronger 1-year returns. SCHD offers more diversification with 100 holdings.

Lower Fees: SCHDHigher Returns: USNGMore Diversified: SCHD

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricSCHDUSNGWinner
Expense Ratio0.06%0.59%
AUM$103.7B$8M
Dividend Yield3.31%1.43%
Holdings10428
YTD Return+24.26%+22.36%
1Y Return+31.38%+32.16%
3Y Return (annualized)+15.08%-
5Y Return (annualized)+9.72%-
Volatility (annualized)13.6%16.9%
Max Drawdown-33.4%-11.9%
Fund FamilyCharles Schwab Asset ManagementAmplify ETFs
CategoryEquityEquity
InceptionOct 20, 2011May 20, 2025

SCHD vs USNG Performance

Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management and Amplify Samsung US Natural Gas Infrastructure ETF (USNG) is a ETF from Amplify ETFs. Over the past year SCHD returned +31.38% while USNG returned +32.16%. Year to date, SCHD is up 24.26% versus a gain of 22.36% for USNG.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

USNG has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.9% compared with 13.6% for SCHD. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.

The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -33.4% for SCHD and -11.9% for USNG. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.

The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.31. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

SCHD charges 0.06% per year while USNG charges 0.59%. On a $10,000 position that is $6 vs $59 annually, a gap of $53 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SCHD currently yields 3.31% against 1.43% for USNG.

Holdings Overlap

0.8%overlap

SCHD and USNG share 1 holdings out of 125 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.8% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Top Shared Holdings

StockWeight in SCHDWeight in USNGDifference
OKE1.50%0.84%0.66%

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, SCHD or USNG?

SCHD has an expense ratio of 0.06% while USNG charges 0.59%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $53 per year of difference.

Which performed better, SCHD or USNG?

Over the past year SCHD returned +31.38% vs +32.16% for USNG, so USNG leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), SCHD annualized +11.39% vs +30.60% for USNG. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, SCHD or USNG?

USNG has been the more volatile fund at 16.9% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: SCHD -33.4% vs USNG -11.9%.

Should I hold both SCHD and USNG?

SCHD and USNG have a monthly-return correlation of 0.31, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between SCHD and USNG?

SCHD and USNG share 1 common holdings with a 0.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 125 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, SCHD or USNG?

SCHD yields 3.31% while USNG yields 1.43%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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